Angola Maize production increases to over two million tons

Over 2.2 million tons of maize were collected in the 2015/2016 Agricultural Campaign countrywide, a figure that represents an increase of 360,151 tons in comparison to the 2014/2015 harvest.

These data have been collected in the Agriculture Ministry, which also reveals that in the 2015/2016 period rice production went down by 8,330 tons, with the harvest reaching 37,002 tons, against the 45,332 tons collected in the 2014/2015 biennium.

The Agriculture Ministry source also stated that in the 2015/2015 biennium there was also a rise in the production of other goods, such as stem tuber products, soya, fruits, coffee and the results of cattle-breeding activities.

These figures are a result of the engagement in the farming activity of just over 2.5 million peasant families and 6,650 small and great farmers.

According to the source, the internal production is not yet satisfactory, since it does respond to the consumption needs, especially in regard to cereals and vegetables.

The source also states that among the strategies aimed to boost productivity are included the increase in the availability of high profit improved seeds, fertilisers, intensification of soils correction measures, increase the use of motor-driven ploughs and technical assistance.

ANGOP has learnt that the country has available 35 million hectares of arable lands, out of which only 5 million hectares are currently being cultivated.